General Part Info

Driveway Sensor Info

There are multiple types of driveway sensors, loops, photo beams, probes, etc. Bare in mind they each can have multiple uses.
First, loops and photo beams are used to detect the presence of a vehicle. Both of these can detect the presence of a vehicle without the need for movement. These are used as a safety device to prevent the gate from closing on vehicles.
Second, a probe is used to detect vehicle movement only. This is more of a triggering device used to activate a system. It detects metal, but only picks up the movement of metal. A probe is never used as a safety device.
Third, there are other types of sensors that are used for emergency vehicles to gain access to the property. These sensors may be required in some cases. So, what do you need to use? This is where a professional installer can best advise you.

Keypad Info

Once a gate operator has been installed, the only way to open the gate is to trigger the system. How do you do this? Two examples are by using Transmitters and Keypads.
A Keypad is commonly used commercially to activate a gate, and has residential uses as well. The main issue is to program the dial pad to recognize number codes that are keyed in by the user or read from access cards.
The Dial Pad has a display that can show users instructions for use, provide custom messages for gated communities, and provide a list of residents and numbers. The dial pad is generally wired directly to the OPERATOR, but there are new types of dial pads that are wireless.

Operator Info

The gate operator is a required item to automate the gate. The operator controls the gates ability to open and close. You will need to buy two if you have a gate that has two halves.

There are three typical styles of operators: Slide, Swing, and Vertical-lift
Slide: This operator must slide level. If the slide level is on a hill it must slide away from the hill. The operator is common for both commercial and residential use.
Swing: This operator must also be level. If you are on a hill it must swing away from the hill. This operator is very common for residential use, but has commercial uses as well.
Vertical-lift: The operator is used to tilt the gate upright. The main concern here is adequate overhead clearance. This operator is usually seen with commercial gates, but can be used in a residential application when conditions are not right for a slide or swing gate.

Control Center Info

A good reliable gate operator usually consist of components supplied by different manufactures. Professional Automatic Gate Installation companies know how to combine these components into a quality system to meet your personal needs.